IMPORTANT NOTE :

GIVEN THE WIDE RANGE OF DATES COVERING THE MID-YEAR BREAK IN AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES, THE DATES FOR THIS "STAGE" ARE FLEXIBLE SO PLEASE CONTACT US TO DISCUSS POSSIBILITIES FOR YOU

THIS PROGRAMME STARTS OVER THE WEEKEND OF 1 - 3 JULY

ARRIVE IN PARIS  (if possible) no later than Friday evening, 1st July, or if absolutely inevitable on the morning of Saturday 2rd July - but you will be running the risk of considerable fatigue. If in doubt, please consult us.

Saturday 2 July : Welcome Day and preparation for your three-week course. The day's programme will include a Get-together Lunch in a typical Saint-Germain restaurant, and an early-evening cruise on the Seine to see Paris from the river.

Sunday 3 July : free morning in Paris, before taking a fast train to Vichy where you will be met by members of the Cavilam and your host families.

Monday 4 July - Friday 15 July : Intensive French language course at the CAVILAM.

The 14 July is the French National Day, and you will be free to participate in any/all of the activities arranged by the town of Vichy.

The CAVILAM, affiliated to the Université de Clermont Ferrand is arguably the finest university institution in France for the teaching of French as a foreign language and the only one catering for students over very short intensive courses.

The ball starts rolling on the Monday morning with a series of placement tests to ensure you are placed in a group appropriate to your level. Then follow two weeks of intensive formal language classes, group practice and media resources back-up.

Evening cultural and sporting activities organised by the Cavilam, plus an all-day coach excursion at the weekend. (More information on the Brochure Document attached to this page.

Saturday 16 July : return by fast train to Paris

Sunday 17 - Friday 22 July :  a full programme of language practice and cultural activities - the two being closely inter-related. Each day a different theme will be treated - for example : Medieval and Renaissance Paris, The Ancien Regime, Paris as capital of politics and power, Education, Gastronomy, Montmartre, French Impressionist Painting....

Major activities will include a guided visit of Versailles, with time to explore the park and the beautifully restored "Farm" of Marie-Antoinette, and after a guided visit of Orsay, the National Impressionist museum, we go by train to spend the afternoon at Claude Monet's home & garden at Giverny.

Evening activities as part of the programme include a visit to the theatre, to a café-théâtre, and to a cinema. In the group sessions you will be prepared for each visit, and expected to participate in the subsequent discussions.

Saturday 23 July : Morning assessment session - each participant will offer a short presentation in French on a topic developed during the three weeks in France. This session will be followed by a Farewell Lunch - after which you are free to shop, visit something you have not had time for...or rush to the airport!

In Vichy, all class and group teaching is the responsibility of the Cavilam staff. In Paris, the classes and discussion groups are held by Annie Bancroft and Brian McKay, while specialists in architecture, painting, social history will be responsible for your formal visits, guided walks, and excursions.

Formal assessment reports & attainment certificates are given by both The Cavilam and Cpederf at the end of the "Stage".

YOUR ACCOMMODATION IS RESERVED FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON 1st July to SUNDAY MORNING 24 July

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONSULT THE VARIOUS DOCUMENTS ATTACHED TO THIS PAGE FROM TIME TO TIME

"STAGE" ANNOUNCEMENT SHEET - FULL BROCHURE & COST DETAILS- ACCOMMODATION ARRANGEMENTS - REGISTRATION FORM